Cranes Flying Above the Waves

Cranes Flying Above the Waves

呉須 GOSU

For the blue tones, the artisan uses gosu, a cobalt-rich pigment traditionally used in Japanese porcelain decoration.

The intricate lines and patterns are drawn one by one with a fine brush. A thicker brush is then used to layer the gosu pigment, creating variations in density, tone, and depth.

Even within the same shade of blue, subtle differences emerge from the movement of the brush and the concentration of the pigment. The artisan carefully considers how the colour will develop through firing, allowing the deep indigo tones characteristic of Murakami Genki Kiln to emerge.

COLOUR PALETTE AND GOLD

The crane is first outlined by hand in black pigment and fired. White, black, and red pigments are then carefully layered onto the porcelain before it is fired again. Finally, the waves are painted in gold and the piece undergoes its final firing.

Through these repeated layers of painting and firing, depth, richness, and subtle variations emerge across the surface of the porcelain.

釉薬 GLAZE

Once the painting is complete, the porcelain is immersed in a transparent glaze that covers the entire surface.

The piece is then fired at 1,250°C. Beneath the transparent glaze, the gosu develops its characteristic deep blue through the intense heat of the kiln.

The glaze not only protects the painted surface, but also gives the colours greater depth, clarity, and a subtle lustre as they emerge from the firing.

Rather than simply painting an image onto porcelain, the final expression is created through the interaction of pigment, porcelain, glaze, and fire—an essential part of the beauty of Arita porcelain.